An Opinion By Jan Bergemann
Published December 19, 2005

CCFJ’s opposition makes its claims in an accusatory tone that “CCFJ has an AGENDA."  The most ridiculous statement recently came from CALL Executive Director Donna Berger (quote):  "Under the guise of a being a consumer watchdog, the President of that group, Mr. Jan Bergemann, has never missed an opportunity to decry isolated association horror stories as part of his ongoing anti-board, anti-association agenda."  (unquote)

Gee, our Web pages would be bare, if we published only “isolated” horror stories!  Hey, we don’t make them up, we just report them!

Then Berger bores us with her old tall tales about “dissidents” and “propaganda-laden website.”  Doesn't she realize that some runaway boards and their arrogant attorneys create these headlines that she accuses us of promoting?  We really have to do little more than open the newspapers in the morning and copy the articles.  Isn't it ironic that the people who complain about the "propaganda" are the very same people who have created these "horror stories"? 

Getting back to CCFJ’s agenda:  Actually, it is our goal to seriously reduce the outrageous number of horror stories we see daily in the media!

Unlike our opposition, we really are homeowners and condo owners.  We don’t have any financial interest in exposing owners to abuse and lengthy legal battles, often dominated by intimidation and the threat of taking the home of a family.  Our CCFJ members’ bank accounts don't grow when boards and owners fight in our Florida communities, cheered on by wealthy attorneys. 

We don't think that lengthy court battles and high legal fees will improve our property values.  “Improved and protected property values” have been touted as The Holy Grail of association propaganda.  But property values definitely decline in associations racked and ruined by senseless lawsuits. These lawsuits only lead to special assessments, because whatever the outcome – win or lose -- it's always the owners who pay!

What about certain board members that fight owner-friendly reforms, using association dues to help defeat owner-friendly bills, but mostly without telling their association members?  Wouldn't their deceptive actions suggest that they have a hidden agenda?  Why are some of them willing to commit criminal acts just to stay in power -- by falsifying signatures and election ballots to defeat opposing owners?

To make it very clear:

This Is The AGENDA Of The Consumer Alliance, CCFJ, Inc.,

For The Year 2006/2007:

• Property Insurance Reform

• Create Government Agency Oversight With Enforcement Power For Homeowners’ Associations 

• Create Ombudsman Office For Homeowners’ Associations 

• Give Ombudsman Office More Power To Enforce Fair Rules

• Enforce Fair Elections In Associations 

• Reduce Costly Litigation 

• Stop Abusive Liens & Stop Foreclosures In Associations 

• Strengthen Disclosure Provisions In FS 190 – Community Development Districts 

• Protect The Vested Rights of Florida’s Mandated Property Owners 

This is our "AGENDA" -- and we are proud

to present it! 

We have nothing to hide -- no special interests, no kickbacks, and no disguised income! 

Our hard-working members gladly give their own money to pay our membership dues and donate to the cause to publish vital information for property owners!  We are just Florida citizens who want to live in peace in friendly communities, where neighbors help neighbors and work for the common good!

If you think that our agenda is worth your support, then please join us as we work to achieve our goals! 

Don't fall for the empty promises of service providers and special interests that pretend to be your voice -- while they pick your pockets!